Jay's Kiara Taylor (14) puts up a shot against Brandeis' Andrea Loza (44) during basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. The Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, to earn coach Mike Floyd his 600th win as a coach.

Jay's Aleeya Harris (left) competes with Brandeis' Andrea Loza for a loose ball during basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. The Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, to earn coach Mike Floyd his 600th win as a coach.

Jay's Erica Donovan (21) drives between a pair of Brandeis defenders during basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. The Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, to earn coach Mike Floyd his 600th win as a coach.

Jay's Erica Donovan (21) drives between a pair of Brandeis defenders during basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. The Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, to earn coach Mike Floyd his 600th

Jay's Erica Donovan (21) gets the upper hand for a steal against Brandeis' Rachel Casstevens (20) during basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. The Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, to earn coach Mike Floyd his 600th win as a coach.

Jay's Erica Donovan (21) gets the upper hand for a steal against Brandeis' Rachel Casstevens (20) during basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. The Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, to

Jay coach Mike Floyd watches his team on offense during a game against Brandeis. Floyd won his 600th game as the Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, in girls basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011.

Jay coach Mike Floyd watches his team on offense during a game against Brandeis. Floyd won his 600th game as the Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, in girls basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7,

Jay coach Mike Floyd (center) instructs his team during a timeout. Floyd won his 600th game as the Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, in girls basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011.

Jay coach Mike Floyd (center) instructs his team during a timeout. Floyd won his 600th game as the Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, in girls basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011.

Photo: Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

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Jay coach Mike Floyd (center) is greeted with applause after he won his 600th game as the Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, in girls basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011.

Jay coach Mike Floyd (center) is greeted with applause after he won his 600th game as the Mustangs defeated Brandeis, 66-50, in girls basketball at O'Connor High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011.

Photo: Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

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Jay earns Floyd's 600th victory

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Mike Floyd is now a member of the 600 Club.

The Jay girls' basketball coach got his induction into that elite group Friday night as the Mustangs relied on a smothering defense and a 34-point outing from Erica Donovan to register a 66-50 District 27-5A victory over Brandeis at O'Connor High School.

Floyd was happy to earn his 600th career victory, but the Jay coach preferred to give credit to his players, especially the group that has been with him the past three years.

In that time, the Mustangs (21-5, 8-0) have registered an 86-7 record, including their first Region IV championship and a berth in the Class 5A state tournament a year ago.

“It's nice to have the wins, but it's always been about the girls,” said Floyd, who is in his 28th season at Jay. “It was nice to get there with these girls. This is such a special group. They've done so much the past three years.”

Even though Floyd, 600-292 overall, kept things low-key, his players, fans and family showed their appreciation with a postgame celebration. He was awarded the game ball and greeted with a cake, a plaque, numerous posters and words of praise.

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“I never heard of anyone winning 600 games,” Donovan said. “This is big. When we heard Coach Floyd was close, we wanted to do it for him.

“It has been great playing for him. He has taught me so much. He's the reason I am a better player. He makes us feel passionate about basketball.”

Brandeis (9-14, 1-6) didn't make it easy. A trio of 3-point goals by Amanda Martinez ignited the Broncos to a 20-9 first-period lead.

Jay got its act together in the second quarter. The Mustangs revved up the defensive pressure and Donovan got the offense going, scoring 13 of their 16 points in the period.

After holding a 28-27 halftime edge, Jay carried its pressure tactics into the second half. Donovan kept producing points and Kiara Taylor did her part, hitting 13 of her 16 points in the last two quarters while also playing a big role on a defense which forced 13 turnovers in the third period.

“We felt a lot of pressure in the first period,” Donovan said. “We started relaxing. Once our defense started going, we played much better.”